Wood Rivers Cooper Fife, a senior at Wolverine, is poised to actualize his aspiration of playing basketball at Pacific University in Oregon. Having been designated as the 2023-2024 Great Basin Conference Player of the Year, Fife’s remarkable talent and commitment on the court have been acknowledged.
Hailing from Portland and relocating to Idaho at an early age, Fife is now returning to the Pacific Northwest to join the Boxers basketball program. Signing his National Letter of Intent represented a momentous achievement for Fife, symbolizing the culmination of years of diligent effort and devotion to the sport.
Expressing his sentiments, Fife articulated, “It’s been a dream since day one to play college ball. It feels good to finally sign and I’m ready to play.”
Throughout his high school tenure, Fife has showcased his skill on the basketball court, propelling Wood River to an impressive 14-9 record, including an 8-4 conference performance. His accomplishments extend beyond his team’s success, as he was also acclaimed as a District All-Star and secured a place in the prestigious Idaho All-Star Classic.
Reaching the remarkable milestone of 1000 career points during a game against Gooding High School on Jan. 24, Fife’s exceptional talent and commitment to the sport have been duly recognized. Fife is now eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his basketball journey.
Despite briefly engaging in various other sports such as football, lacrosse, soccer, and baseball, basketball has always captured Fife’s heart. Since his freshman year, he has harboured ambitious aspirations of playing at the collegiate level, and with his signing, that dream is now within reach.
Asserting his confidence, Fife conveyed, “Ever since I came into high school, I think I could always play at the next level. This year I got some recognition and realized it’s a real thing that will happen. I can’t wait.”
Pacific University, a Division III institution competing in the Northwest Conference, aligns seamlessly with Fife’s objectives to advance both his athletic and academic pursuits. With the Boxers concluding the 2023-2024 season with a commendable 15-11 record, Fife is eager to leave his mark at the collegiate level.
Beyond the realms of the court, Fife is appreciative of the friendships and connections he has fostered through basketball, acknowledging the invaluable support system he has discovered within the sport.
“I’ve built a lot of friends and family through the sport and I’m appreciative of that. Just having that family-type bond with all my friends is the most important thing I’ve gotten through basketball,” reflected Fife.
As Fife prepares to embark on this new chapter in his athletic career, his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport stand as a testament to his potential for success at the collegiate level. With his impressive track record, there is no doubt that Fife is primed to make a substantial impact at Pacific University and beyond.